January 2015 – Inauguration of the Space for Young Adults (Espace Jeunes Adultes)

Young adults hospitalized at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) – particularly for cancer – now have a friendly and suitable place at their disposal, a wellness area in which to relax within the oncology ward. Opened in January 2015, this space was conceived in order to allow sick youths to meet their close ones or caregivers in more pleasant conditions than a hospital room. It is also an area for patients to unwind.

At the origin of this project, my son Frédéric, 21, his disease, his hospitalization, his depature towards a better place.

By improving the quality of non-medical care for young adults affected by cancer and helping them, however possible, to bear and accept weeks or months of hospitalization with heavy treatments, we – his family and his friends – wanted to honor his memory and give his departure meaning.

To avoid isolation, ease the daily life of these young adults, answer to their age-specific needs, between pediatrics and adult medicine, we imagine, created and financed – in partnership with Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the HUG Private Foundation – the wonderful space presented here.

Today, I wish to extend a huge thank you to all the members and donors of the Frédéric Fellay Association, to everyone from HUG who contributed and to Professor Pierre-Yves Dietrich, head of the Oncology Centre at HUG.

Marie-Claude Fellay

President

Frédéric Fellay Association

Young adults hospitalized at HUG – particularly for cancer – now have a friendly and suitable place at their disposal, a wellness area in which to relax within the oncology ward.

Opened in January 2015, this space was conceived in order to allow sick youths to meet their close ones or caregivers in more pleasant conditions than a hospital room. It is also an area for patients to unwind.

The Space for Young Adults is equipped with a dining and relaxation area, a television (headphones available), gaming consoles, an IPad and computers, an ergonomic bike and a massage chair, books, comic books, DVDs, board games and newspapers.

It follows security measures necessary for the medical team and the caregivers are enthusiastic supportive.

This privileged “home-like” space is also available for young adults in ambulatory treatment.